Basic Information

Phenylbutazone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and cylooxygenase inhibitor. It is a potent pain reliever, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory. In the horse, it is used commonly for lameness, resulting from soft-tissue injury, muscle soreness, bone and joint problems, and laminitis. NSAIDs work by inhibiting the body's production of prostaglandins, thromboxane and other inflammatory mediators. Some of these actions may be dose-dependent. Phenylbutazone may be given intravenously or orally; pain relief and fever reduction usually starts within one to two hours.

Dogs

Phenylbutazone is used occasionally in dogs for the longer term management of chronic pain particularly due to osteoarthritis. About 20% of adult dogs are affected with osteoarthritis, which makes managing musculoskeletal pain a major component of companion animal practice. There is a very narrow margin of safety for all NSAIDs in the dog and there are other NSAIDs that are used more commonly (etodolac and carprofen). GI protectant drugs such as misprostal, cimetidine, omeprazole, ranitidine or sucralfate frequently are included as a part of treatment with any NSAID. Dogs receiving chronic phenylbutazone therapy should be followed with regular blood work and renal monitoring.

Horses

Phenylbutazone is an inexpensive, generally well tolerated drug. It frequently is the first choice for pain control of many musculoskeletal problems although other NSAIDs, such as flunixin, are used more commonly for gastrointestinal pain or colic. Recent research into NSAID toxicity and equine gastric ulcer disease may have given phenylbutazone a bad reputation for safety. However, when used at the appropriate dose and according to directions, phenylbutazone generally is a safe and effective drug. Additional care should be shown with special populations such as foals, ponies, older horses, and debilitated or dehydrated horses. These populations are more likely to have adverse side effects.

Phenylbutazone Side Effects

Horses: The most common side effects include ulceration of the mouth and GI tract. Less common side effects include renal damage, bleeding disorders and protein loss.

Injection site reactions can occur if blood leaks back at the injection site. Injectable phenylbutazone is very irritating to tissue if any leaks out of the vein.

Precautions

Do not inject in the muscle, under the skin or intra arterially.

NSAIDs should be avoided or very carefully monitored in animals with liver disease, kidney disease or GI problems. Therapy should be stopped at the first sign of any adverse reaction (anorexiaoral ulcers, depression, decreased plasma protein, increased creatinine, anemia, leukopenia).

Work in rodents indicates that phenylbutazone may be harmful to the embryo. It can cross the placenta and is found in milk. Phenylbutazone should be avoided or used with caution in pregnant or nursing animals.

Pony breeds may be more susceptible to side effects from NSAIDs than horses. Older horses especially those with decreased kidney or liver function also may be more at risk for side effects. When NSAIDs are used in these populations, they should be used with caution and at the lowest effective dose.

Phenylbutazone may be used in foals, but it should be used with particular caution. Premature foals, septicemic foals, foals with questionable kidney or liver function, and foals with diarrhea require careful monitoring. Drugs to protect the GI tract such as omeprazole, cimetidine and sucralfate are used frequently with phenylbutazone.

Some veterinarians and many horse owners, particularly those involved in showing, may use more than one NSAID in combination, for example, flunixin and phenylbutazone given together. Although there is little experimental evidence to support this practice, the theory is that different NSAIDs may act differently on different body systems. Particular care needs to be taken in this situation to avoid additive toxicity.

Drug Interactions

Avoid combining with other anti-inflammatory drugs that tend to cause GI ulcers, such as corticosteroids and other NSAIDs. Avoid combining with anticoagulant drugs particularly coumarin derivatives. Avoid combining with other hepatotoxic drugs.

Overdose

Overdoses of phenylbutazone can cause renal failure, liver injury, bone marrow suppression and gastric ulceration/perforation. Early signs of toxicity include loss of appetite and depression.

About the Author

Dr. Barbara Forney is a veterinary practitioner in Chester County, Pennsylvania. She has a master's degree in animal science from the University of Delaware and graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 1982.

She began to develop her interest in client education and medical writing in 1997. Recent publications include portions of The Pill Book Guide to Medication for Your Dog and Cat, and most recently Understanding Equine Medications published by the Bloodhorse.

Dr. Forney is an FEI veterinarian and an active member of the AAEP, AVMA, and AMWA.

The information contained on this site is general in nature and is intended for use as an informational aid. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the products shown, nor is the information intended as medical advice or diagnosis for individual health problems or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of using a particular product. You should consult your doctor about diagnosis and treatment of any health problems. Information and statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"), nor has the FDA approved the products to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.

Wedgewood Pharmacy compounded veterinary preparations are not intended for use in food and food-producing animals.

This content is intended for patient counseling purposes only. This content is for informational/educational purposes and is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease or person. No claims are made as to the safety or efficacy of mentioned preparations. The compounded medications featured in this piece have been prescribed and administered by veterinarians who work with Wedgewood Pharmacy. You are encouraged to speak with your veterinarian as to the appropriate use of any medication.

Wedgewood Pharmacy is licensed by the New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy.